Don’t listen to that guy, Anon! He might feel threatened by your skill, and he’s realizing that these connections won’t get him far without the skills he actually needs. Stand your ground and stick up for what you love. You deserve to be recognized for your talent. If you’re really committed to tuba, you should be able to play it!

Tell that guy to stuff it and play your heart out. Show him that you deserve to be there and that nothing will change your mind about doing what you love. 

Best of luck to you!!! 

IT’S VERY DIFFICULT like breaking a sweat after 5 yards difficult 

I’d say just go slow when you practice! Try holding the F, then slurring to the G, then back to the F, and so on until you can transition to each note smoothly. Once you’re confident, try going faster and faster, practicing each speed until it’s smooth. Don’t try to go too fast too soon though, because you might not be able to maintain a good sound with your fingers flying everywhere. It takes time to master something, so don’t give up hope if you can’t get it at first!

I know you’ll kick that trill’s butt! I’m sorry it took me so long to respond to your ask :( I hope all goes well!!!!

Do not fear, Anon!! I've known plenty of people who are completely new to band. The top timpanist in my state started playing french horn his junior year!! It's never too late to learn music. If it's something you are really invested in and you're willing to put in the time and practice, go for it!! The band will be lucky to have someone as dedicated to music as you are. Talk to your school's band director, too, and ask what they think is best to start with. They'll probably be able to hook you up with a school instrument that you can borrow and a mentor or private lesson teacher for your instrument. They might even help you themselves! Like I said, it's never too late to start. If anything, it's awesome that you're making this choice in your freshman year. It gives you four whole years to learn and excel at your instrument!! Don't be afraid of what other people think of you when you first join. They were in your position as well, be it years ago, or mere months ago. Yes, there will be some people who sneer and laugh, but those people are insecure with their own playing and find splice in the fact that they aren't the only beginner. Most will be willing to help you find your bearings if you ask. Asking for help is a-okay. Lastly, be patient with yourself! The great musicians we know and love didn't become masters of their art overnight. Practice takes lots of time. There will be points where you don't think you're progressing at all, or that you're stuck in a rut you'll never get out of. But don't give up when that happens! Just keep pushing, and soon enough you'll be unstuck and on the track to greatness!! I wish you the best of luck Anon. I'm so glad that you're choosing to look into band, it's really a fantastic environment and the friends you'll make will be some of the best you'll ever have. It's such an inclusive environment, I know you'll love it. Good luck, and all the best!!!!!

Yo bone players, hit us up with those lubricants

I'm so sorry about the delayed answer to this, anon!!! I hope your solo went well!! I've given this advice to some other before, but I'll try to rephrase in a concise manner: don't think of it as an evaluation or performance until it's over. You've most likely been practicing the music for a long time, and somewhere in that time you've had an amazing run-through that left you smiling. Imagine, when the day arrives, that you're just practicing running the piece. It's the same instrument, the same you, the same music, just a different audience. Again, I'm so sorry for the late response!!!! I hope this helps for the future, and I know that your solo went amazingly!!!!

It's almost saddening how often this happens. I don't know if it's because new players are intimidated by older ones, if they clash with the band director, or if they lose their passion for music, but something was derailed along the way. I'm not saying that they're wrong for quitting band, because they know what they need to do. I think it's a little disheartening to realize that music doesn't do for others what it does for you. Hopefully they find something that makes them happy, though. There's no point in pursuing music if it makes you miserable. Just focus on how happy music makes you, and keep your sights on the best you that you can be!

It's no problem at all!! I know a little about the Xeno, I played it when I was trying out new horns. It's great!! It has a really smooth tone that can be manipulated for every style of music. I agree with the back strad notion though-- it's good, but not for everyone. It's good that you're on the job too!! You're definitely earning the horn you'll eventually buy. As for extra funds, maybe you could ask for a couple bucks from your parent/guardian during the holidays or your birthday? Good luck, Anon!!! :D

Why tho ?????